Walmart: Opelika, Alabama: December 23, 2008

When you walk into a Wal-mart location on December 23rd and there are only 10 buggies remaining to choose from, you should run fast and as far as you can. Well, that is what one should do, but that isn't what I actually did. The second red flag would be if the check-out lines are into the clothing section, RUN!! I stayed and looked for the items on my list. I know you may ask why I didn't go to another store. Well, it was one of those trips where I needed food items as well as things like rubbermaid (lowercase) containers and other various & sundries. December 23rd is NOT the day one should go to Walmart in Opelika. It just isn't a good idea. One of the items on my list couldn't be found at this store. So, I left there and went to Target here. Not nearly as bad as the first location, but it is December 23rd. I found said item and realized it was really not worth the $38.99 that I had just paid for it (I went back and returned it at 10:45 pm tonight). I left there and went to Tuesday Morning...wishful thinking...just hoping they would have this item for E. No luck. I called Mark. He made a call to Sam's, they don't have it either. I was in K-mart at this time.... There were a lot of buggies, no long lines, but remember it is December 23rd! Toys could be seen flying over shoppers shoulders, babies screaming and crying to go home; parents yelling and screaming at the babies to "shut they mouths" (I am not making fun, I am quoting a parent). So very sad. I had to leave very quickly when I realized that they were in the same category as the other stores I had just frequented. Off to the Auburn Wal-mart location. I knew from the look of the parking lot, this would be a much more tolerable experience. Unbelievable...I hate to even say this. There weren't that many people, no long lines, no one shouting at each other to move their buggie out of the way...maybe a crying baby or two, but I didn't hear a parent screaming at a child - at least. Not nearly the number of people that can be found in all other stores in Auburn/Opelika tonight. Is the Auburn W-M a secret? So, my observations from this evening have shown me that the Auburn walmart is much better shopping experience. That being said, I have to remind myself that most all of AU students have left the city. That makes a big difference. Just be warned, if you go to Walmart tomorrow and you live where I live, go to Auburn and not Opelika. It is just two totally different shopping experiences!!! And while you are out shopping on the last day before Christmas remember most stores will close at 6 pm (if not earlier) and to say "Merry Christmas" in your most cheerful voice and along with your sweetest smile. :)